Wed Jan 01 17:38:05 UTC 2025: **New Orleans New Year’s Eve Celebration Devastated by Truck Attack; 10 Dead, Dozens Injured**
NEW ORLEANS, LA – A white pickup truck plowed into a crowd celebrating New Year’s Eve on Bourbon Street in New Orleans’ French Quarter early Wednesday, resulting in at least 10 fatalities and over 30 injuries. The incident, which is being investigated as a potential act of terrorism by the FBI and local police, occurred around 3:15 am as revelers were still enjoying the festivities.
Witnesses reported seeing the truck breach a barricade and speed into a group of pedestrians. One witness, Kevin Garcia, described seeing a body “flying at me” after the impact. Gunfire erupted shortly afterward, with witnesses stating that the driver engaged in a shootout with law enforcement before being apprehended.
Police quickly secured the scene, urging people to evacuate the area. Images from the scene depicted numerous injured individuals receiving medical attention and bodies that had yet to be covered. The injured were transported to five area hospitals.
New Orleans Police Superintendent Anne Kirkpatrick described the driver’s actions as “hellbent on creating carnage and damage,” though the motive remains under investigation. The FBI’s New Orleans field office is leading the investigation and has reported the discovery of a suspected improvised explosive device (IED) at the scene.
Mayor LaToya Cantrell declared the incident a terrorist attack, expressing deep sorrow and offering condolences to the victims’ families. The city was already on high alert due to the large crowds anticipated for New Year’s celebrations and the upcoming Sugar Bowl. The investigation is ongoing.
First Piper 